Cardinals hammer Marlins, 6-1
MIAMI - Chris Carpenter pitched 7 2-3 innings to become the first 19-game winner in the major leagues, and David Eckstein went 4-for-5 with three RBIs to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Florida Marlins 6-1 Monday night.

Cardinals hammer Marlins, 6-1
MIAMI - Chris Carpenter pitched 7 2-3 innings to become the first 19-game winner in the major leagues, and David Eckstein went 4-for-5 with three RBIs to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Florida Marlins 6-1 Monday night.

Hampton remains hopeful for return
ATLANTA - The herniated disc in Mike Hampton's back is feeling well enough that the Braves' injury-plagued starter plans to play catch today. A return to the mound, in 2005 anyway, still isn't a guarantee though, he said Monday.

Hampton remains hopeful for return
ATLANTA - The herniated disc in Mike Hampton's back is feeling well enough that the Braves' injury-plagued starter plans to play catch today. A return to the mound, in 2005 anyway, still isn't a guarantee though, he said Monday.

Storm takes toll on airlines
ATLANTA - The one-two punch of Hurricane Katrina and oil prices briefly topping $70-a-barrel is giving the beleaguered major airlines just what they don't need as they approach a traditionally slow travel season and a few of them flirt with bankruptcy.

Storm takes toll on airlines
ATLANTA - The one-two punch of Hurricane Katrina and oil prices briefly topping $70-a-barrel is giving the beleaguered major airlines just what they don't need as they approach a traditionally slow travel season and a few of them flirt with bankruptcy.

Analysts: Katrina 'perfect storm' for already high energy prices
NEW YORK - With crude oil prices already at record levels, a hurricane targeted the heart of America's oil and refinery operations Sunday, shutting down an estimated 1 million barrels of daily production and threatening to curtail refining activity in the region.

Gas prices set another new record
LOS ANGELES - Retail gas prices hit yet another record high over the past two weeks and could go even higher before the traditional post-Labor Day driving decline ends demands pressure, according to a nationwide survey.

Markets rebound as fears of Katrina ease
NEW YORK - Wall Street rallied Monday after Hurricane Katrina weakened, easing concerns about refinery outages along the Gulf of Mexico and pulling oil prices back from record highs.

Markets rebound as fears of Katrina ease
NEW YORK - Wall Street rallied Monday after Hurricane Katrina weakened, easing concerns about refinery outages along the Gulf of Mexico and pulling oil prices back from record highs.

Start working now to lower your company's heating bills
NEW YORK - If your small company's energy bills have been mind-boggling this summer, the fall and winter are likely to bring little relief. And now, before it gets cold, is the best time to take steps to mitigate some of damage from soaring heating bills.

Gutted Winn-Dixies now selling fixtures
Winn-Dixie's Aisle 6 shelves in Gordon Village once held shortening, flour and Jell-O. Now the shelves are holding dust and their own price tag, just like every other fixture in the store.

Firm will pay for creating shelters
NEW YORK - Eight former executives of accounting firm KPMG were indicted Monday and the firm agreed to pay $456 million as it admitted it sold fraudulent shelters to help wealthy clients avoid paying billions in taxes.

Gas prices set another new record
LOS ANGELES - Retail gas prices hit yet another record high over the past two weeks and could go even higher before the traditional post-Labor Day driving decline ends demands pressure, according to a nationwide survey.

Firm will pay for creating shelters
NEW YORK - Eight former executives of accounting firm KPMG were indicted Monday and the firm agreed to pay $456 million as it admitted it sold fraudulent shelters to help wealthy clients avoid paying billions in taxes.

Analysts: Katrina 'perfect storm' for already high energy prices
NEW YORK - With crude oil prices already at record levels, a hurricane targeted the heart of America's oil and refinery operations Sunday, shutting down an estimated 1 million barrels of daily production and threatening to curtail refining activity in the region.

Start working now to lower your company's heating bills
NEW YORK - If your small company's energy bills have been mind-boggling this summer, the fall and winter are likely to bring little relief. And now, before it gets cold, is the best time to take steps to mitigate some of damage from soaring heating bills.

Gutted Winn-Dixies now selling fixtures
Winn-Dixie's Aisle 6 shelves in Gordon Village once held shortening, flour and Jell-O. Now the shelves are holding dust and their own price tag, just like every other fixture in the store.

More Senate fireworks
Hearings on confirming U.S. Appeals Court Judge John G. Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court are expected to provide the most fireworks for the Senate Judiciary Committee after Labor Day, but don't bet on it.

Let's all get on board
They always try to make the United Way campaign kickoff fun. Monday, it was a cruise ship theme - and one lucky attendee won a five-day cruise.

Politics affect immigration
Don't always be cynical about government officials who take action for political reasons. Politics are supposed to result in better government policies. And so it is - or at least we hope it is - with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff's announcement that he's beefing up security along the nation's borders.

More Senate fireworks
Hearings on confirming U.S. Appeals Court Judge John G. Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court are expected to provide the most fireworks for the Senate Judiciary Committee after Labor Day, but don't bet on it.

Flying tots safer on laps
One of the more ridiculous rules ever to be considered was a proposal to disallow children younger than 2 to ride on a parent's lap when flying on a commercial airliner.

Politics affect immigration
Don't always be cynical about government officials who take action for political reasons. Politics are supposed to result in better government policies. And so it is - or at least we hope it is - with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff's announcement that he's beefing up security along the nation's borders.

It's up to Iraqis now
It would obviously be better if Sunni negotiators had joined the Shiites and Kurds in endorsing Iraq's draft constitution that voters will decide on in October.

It's up to Iraqis now
It would obviously be better if Sunni negotiators had joined the Shiites and Kurds in endorsing Iraq's draft constitution that voters will decide on in October.

People in the News
AMAGANSETT, N.Y. - Actor Robert Downey Jr., the Oscar-nominated star of "Chaplin" whose struggles with drug addiction drew attention in the late 1990s, has married producer Susan Levin.

People in the News
AMAGANSETT, N.Y. - Actor Robert Downey Jr., the Oscar-nominated star of "Chaplin" whose struggles with drug addiction drew attention in the late 1990s, has married producer Susan Levin.

Debt: Unlike Americans, Japanese reluctant to borrow
EDITORS - Growing debt has long been a concern in the United States, from individuals buying on credit to Washington budgets. But many economists are now warning that runaway spending and borrowing have the nation on track toward a major economic crash. The final installment of a three-part series, this piece examines the attitude toward debt in Japan, the world's second-largest economy.

Debt: Unlike Americans, Japanese reluctant to borrow
EDITORS - Growing debt has long been a concern in the United States, from individuals buying on credit to Washington budgets. But many economists are now warning that runaway spending and borrowing have the nation on track toward a major economic crash. The final installment of a three-part series, this piece examines the attitude toward debt in Japan, the world's second-largest economy.

Faxon wins Buick Championship in playoff
CROMWELL, Conn. - Brad Faxon rolled in a 3-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole Sunday to win the Buick Championship over South African Tjaart van der Walt, his first victory since 2001.

Lopez picks Ward, Daniel to round out U.S. Solheim team
DUBLIN, Ohio - Nancy Lopez went with veterans for her two captain's picks to the U.S. Solheim Cup team, selecting Wendy Ward and Hall of Famer Beth Daniel to complete the 12-player team that will face Europe on Sept. 9-11 at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Ind.

Faxon wins Buick Championship in playoff
CROMWELL, Conn. - Brad Faxon rolled in a 3-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole Sunday to win the Buick Championship over South African Tjaart van der Walt, his first victory since 2001.

Teammates welcome Creamer's approach
CARMEL, Ind. - Paula Creamer insists her promise to win back the Solheim Cup for the U.S. team was no rookie mistake. Her new teammates and American captain, Nancy Lopez, agree.

Lopez picks Ward, Daniel to round out U.S. Solheim team
DUBLIN, Ohio - Nancy Lopez went with veterans for her two captain's picks to the U.S. Solheim Cup team, selecting Wendy Ward and Hall of Famer Beth Daniel to complete the 12-player team that will face Europe on Sept. 9-11 at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Ind.

Teammates welcome Creamer's approach
CARMEL, Ind. - Paula Creamer insists her promise to win back the Solheim Cup for the U.S. team was no rookie mistake. Her new teammates and American captain, Nancy Lopez, agree.

Backs put up big numbers
Junior running back Marquel Jordan of Richmond Academy. He ran his season total to 238 yards with 162 yards and two touchdowns against Aquinas.

Backs put up big numbers
Junior running back Marquel Jordan of Richmond Academy. He ran his season total to 238 yards with 162 yards and two touchdowns against Aquinas.

Prep Football Power Poll
The area's top 10 prep football teams after the first week of the season as voted on by members of The Augusta Chronicle and WJBF NewsChannel 6 sports departments, plus selected other media outlets around the area.

Prep Football Power Poll
The area's top 10 prep football teams after the first week of the season as voted on by members of The Augusta Chronicle and WJBF NewsChannel 6 sports departments, plus selected other media outlets around the area.

Bush weighs tapping strategic petroleum reserve
WACO, Texas - President Bush weighed a decision on whether to release some oil from the nation's petroleum reserves to help refiners hurt by Hurricane Katrina, administration officials said Monday. A decision was expected later in the day.

Cash donations sought for hurricane victims
WASHINGTON - While a variety of government and private agencies are en route to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, federal officials said Monday people wanting to help should not head to the affected area unless directed by an agency.

Hurricane Katrina plows into Gulf Coast
NEW ORLEANS - Hurricane Katrina plowed into the Gulf Coast at daybreak Monday with shrieking, 145-mph winds and blinding rain, submerging entire neighborhoods up to the rooflines in New Orleans, hurling boats onto land and sending water pouring into Mississippi's strip of beachfront casinos.

Hurricane center in Florida kicks into high gear
MIAMI - Max Mayfield stared at the frightening images on the radar screen: Hurricane Katrina was about to hit Louisiana and Mississippi with 140-mph-plus winds and flooding that could obliterate some of the levees protecting New Orleans.

Bush weighs tapping strategic petroleum reserve
WACO, Texas - President Bush weighed a decision on whether to release some oil from the nation's petroleum reserves to help refiners hurt by Hurricane Katrina, administration officials said Monday. A decision was expected later in the day.

Cash donations sought for hurricane victims
WASHINGTON - While a variety of government and private agencies are en route to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, federal officials said Monday people wanting to help should not head to the affected area unless directed by an agency.

Few problems reported at Atlanta airport
ATLANTA - Sitting back in the world's busiest airport, Emelda Kador was thinking of spending Labor Day with her nieces and nephews at a New Orleans waterpark. The Labor Day trip has been a five-year tradition for the 52-year-old and her family.

Few problems reported at Atlanta airport
ATLANTA - Sitting back in the world's busiest airport, Emelda Kador was thinking of spending Labor Day with her nieces and nephews at a New Orleans waterpark. The Labor Day trip has been a five-year tradition for the 52-year-old and her family.

FEMA, other federal response to Katrina
WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency went into disaster mode as it and other federal agencies prepared to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Hurricane center in Florida kicks into high gear
MIAMI - Max Mayfield stared at the frightening images on the radar screen: Hurricane Katrina was about to hit Louisiana and Mississippi with 140-mph-plus winds and flooding that could obliterate some of the levees protecting New Orleans.

Hurricane center in Florida kicks into high gear
MIAMI - Max Mayfield stared at the frightening images on the radar screen: Hurricane Katrina was about to hit Louisiana and Mississippi with 140-mph-plus winds and flooding that could obliterate some of the levees protecting New Orleans.

Hurricane Katrina plows into Gulf Coast
NEW ORLEANS - Hurricane Katrina plowed into the Gulf Coast at daybreak Monday with shrieking, 145-mph winds and blinding rain, submerging entire neighborhoods up to the rooflines in New Orleans, hurling boats onto land and sending water pouring into Mississippi's strip of beachfront casinos.

FEMA, other federal response to Katrina
WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency went into disaster mode as it and other federal agencies prepared to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Text of Iraq's new constitution
The complete text of the final draft Iraqi constitution, as translated from the Arabic by The Associated Press. Differences between this text and the version Aug. 22 are in parentheses:

Text of Iraq's new constitution
The complete text of the final draft Iraqi constitution, as translated from the Arabic by The Associated Press. Differences between this text and the version Aug. 22 are in parentheses:

Aiken County SAT scores drop
AIKEN - Aiken County schools saw the district's average SAT score drop from 1017 in 2004 to 1013 in 2005, according to figures released by the South Carolina Department of Education this morning.

Average U.S. SAT math scores hit record high
The high school class of 2005 recorded what officials say are the highest-ever average scores on the math portion of the SAT college entrance exam, a modest jump from last year that comes amid conflicting data on the math skills of American students.

Get educated on WMDs, Clinton
That Americans continue to this day to say that President Bush lied about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq is twisted logic.Floyd Brown, Grovetown

Put emphasis on industrial arts
I cannot believe that anyone in the education field can hypothesize that having all the students take a college prep course will raise the average SAT scores.
Richard J. Moser, Waynesboro

Pupils devolving in math, science
The new school year is in full swing, bringing with it the excitement of new possibilities - potential new friends, new freedoms that come with being a year older, new things to learn. Andy C. Reese, Augusta

Pat Robertson just might be right
The last time Pat Robertson got it right was 30 years ago when he said New York City was an upholstered sewer. Thirty years ago it was.
Pat VanHooser, North Augusta, S.C.

Leftists make hay with Cindy Sheehan
While Cindy Sheehan questions the United States' goals in Iraq, she has not done so as simply a grieving mother, but more so as a political operative. Her support group is not her family, but many highly visible groups - all with anti-war, anti-American and socialist trademarks, including Code Pink; Moveon.org; Veterans for Peace; and United for Peace and Justice.
Michael Miller, Aiken, S.C.

'Chronicle' creeps toward liberalism
Neil Armstrong said, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." The Augusta Chronicle continues its small steps toward an unflinching liberal bias, and unwary readers will be unprepared for the giant leap to outright liberalism.

Put emphasis on industrial arts
I cannot believe that anyone in the education field can hypothesize that having all the students take a college prep course will raise the average SAT scores.
Richard J. Moser, Waynesboro

Leftists make hay with Cindy Sheehan
While Cindy Sheehan questions the United States' goals in Iraq, she has not done so as simply a grieving mother, but more so as a political operative. Her support group is not her family, but many highly visible groups - all with anti-war, anti-American and socialist trademarks, including Code Pink; Moveon.org; Veterans for Peace; and United for Peace and Justice.
Michael Miller, Aiken, S.C.

Get educated on WMDs, Clinton
That Americans continue to this day to say that President Bush lied about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq is twisted logic.Floyd Brown, Grovetown

Pat Robertson just might be right
The last time Pat Robertson got it right was 30 years ago when he said New York City was an upholstered sewer. Thirty years ago it was.
Pat VanHooser, North Augusta, S.C.

Pupils devolving in math, science
The new school year is in full swing, bringing with it the excitement of new possibilities - potential new friends, new freedoms that come with being a year older, new things to learn. Andy C. Reese, Augusta

'Chronicle' creeps toward liberalism
Neil Armstrong said, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." The Augusta Chronicle continues its small steps toward an unflinching liberal bias, and unwary readers will be unprepared for the giant leap to outright liberalism.

Another reason that redheads more vulnerable to skin cancer?
WASHINGTON - Redheads sunburn easily, but that may not be the only reason they are at high risk of skin cancer. New research suggests the pigment that colors their skin may set them up for cancer-spurring sun damage even if they do not burn.

New traffic software gives radio a run for its money
EDISON, N.J. - Long Island looked as if it were on fire. That's my view of the New York suburbs on the screen of a Treo Smartphone. A new piece of software gives me real-time traffic updates - flashing yellow, orange or red circles appear over a road map, depending on the level of hell they portend.

Seniors calendar
The Seniors Calendar lists items of interest to senior citizens. Call the service agencies for information.

Living briefs
Trying to get your kids to eat more vegetables? Timing is everything.

Living briefs
Trying to get your kids to eat more vegetables? Timing is everything.

Another reason that redheads more vulnerable to skin cancer?
WASHINGTON - Redheads sunburn easily, but that may not be the only reason they are at high risk of skin cancer. New research suggests the pigment that colors their skin may set them up for cancer-spurring sun damage even if they do not burn.

New traffic software gives radio a run for its money
EDISON, N.J. - Long Island looked as if it were on fire. That's my view of the New York suburbs on the screen of a Treo Smartphone. A new piece of software gives me real-time traffic updates - flashing yellow, orange or red circles appear over a road map, depending on the level of hell they portend.

A selection of gum is put to the test
Gum has come a long way from the days when ancient Greeks harvested it in the form of a resin from mastic trees. Green tea, calcium, vitamin C, caffeine, honey, cocoa - more and more, the gum aisle is beginning to look like the vitamin section.

A selection of gum is put to the test
Gum has come a long way from the days when ancient Greeks harvested it in the form of a resin from mastic trees. Green tea, calcium, vitamin C, caffeine, honey, cocoa - more and more, the gum aisle is beginning to look like the vitamin section.

Across South Carolina
GREENVILLE - Joe Berry is fed up with rising gasoline prices, and he's decided to take a stand.

Across South Carolina
GREENVILLE - Joe Berry is fed up with rising gasoline prices, and he's decided to take a stand.

Housing department contracts must get OK
The Augusta Commission voted Monday to require that all contracts issued through the city's Housing and Economic Development Department follow the same procedures that other departments are required to follow, including coming before the full board for final approval.

Across the southeast
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Blacks who bought homes across America last year were four times more likely than whites to get high interest rates for mortgage loans, The Charlotte Observer reported Sunday.

Captain's wife rides out storm
A Columbia County woman was among those stuck in New Orleans on Monday as the eye of the powerful Hurricane Katrina passed just east of the city, which lies below sea level.

Captain's wife rides out storm
A Columbia County woman was among those stuck in New Orleans on Monday as the eye of the powerful Hurricane Katrina passed just east of the city, which lies below sea level.

Many struggle with energy bills
AIKEN - A heart attack in July robbed Calvin Setters' of his ability to work. After a month of unemployment, his family was buried under growing medical costs and unpaid bills.

Across the southeast
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Blacks who bought homes across America last year were four times more likely than whites to get high interest rates for mortgage loans, The Charlotte Observer reported Sunday.

The week ahead
The Aiken Community Playhouse will hold its 2004-05 season awards ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Aiken Community Playhouse, Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St. Admission is free. For more information, call (803) 648-1438.

Officials say child's need means more than scores
GREENVILLE, S.C. - Experts say parents should take a closer look before transferring their children out of schools that are failing to make adequate yearly progress according to objectives set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Housing department contracts must get OK
The Augusta Commission voted Monday to require that all contracts issued through the city's Housing and Economic Development Department follow the same procedures that other departments are required to follow, including coming before the full board for final approval.

Across Georgia
ATLANTA - Thirty people accused of being members of a violent north Georgia drug gang have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of selling cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine.

Evans area booming with new businesses
A new Target store in Columbia County might be getting all the attention these days, but another area near the Evans Town Center continues to boom with new business.

Cushing to leave St. Teresa parish
It's official: The Rev. Bob Cushing, the priest who went to Japan to deliver an apology this month for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, will be leaving St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church for other ministry.

Police link four to death of carrier
AIKEN - Two men have been arrested, and investigators are looking for two others they say ambushed and killed a newspaper carrier they mistook for a rival drug dealer.

Probe doesn't suggest arson
One day after an early-morning fire gutted several units at a west Augusta apartment complex, a Richmond County fire official said a preliminary investigation suggests no foul play.

Officials say child's need means more than scores
GREENVILLE, S.C. - Experts say parents should take a closer look before transferring their children out of schools that are failing to make adequate yearly progress according to objectives set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Across the Southeast
FRANKFORT, KY. - Gov. Ernie Fletcher, on the eve of an appearance before a grand jury investigating his administration's hiring practices, said Monday he would issue pardons to current and former members of his administration charged in the probe.

Man goes on trial in 2002 killing
Two men accused of killing a disabled veteran in a robbery attempt will point fingers of guilt at each other, according to the attorneys' opening statements Monday.

Across South Carolina
CONWAY - An ex-convict charged with killing two people and raping a girl last spring was indicted Monday on murder and armed robbery charges, prosecutors said.

United Way says to 'get on board'
More than 600 supporters boarded the SS United Way on Monday as the organization kicked off its annual fundraising campaign with a luncheon at Bell Auditorium.

Across Georgia
ATLANTA - Thirty people accused of being members of a violent north Georgia drug gang have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of selling cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine.

Police link four to death of carrier
AIKEN - Two men have been arrested, and investigators are looking for two others they say ambushed and killed a newspaper carrier they mistook for a rival drug dealer.

Across the area
Police arrested a 23-year-old Hephzibah man Monday in connection with an attempted robbery at Needmore Kuntry Store on Windsor Spring Road last month.

Cushing to leave St. Teresa parish
It's official: The Rev. Bob Cushing, the priest who went to Japan to deliver an apology this month for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, will be leaving St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church for other ministry.

Governors seek energy options
GREENSBORO, Ga. - Jumps in oil prices and drivers' frustration have prompted governors from several Southern states to look at other energy sources.

Across the area
Police are seeking an Augusta man in connection with a sexual assault of his wife.

Early bird
A small bird flies low over Riverwalk Augusta early Monday morning as the sun begins to rise.

The week ahead
The Aiken Community Playhouse will hold its 2004-05 season awards ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Aiken Community Playhouse, Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St. Admission is free. For more information, call (803) 648-1438.

Across South Carolina
CONWAY - An ex-convict charged with killing two people and raping a girl last spring was indicted Monday on murder and armed robbery charges, prosecutors said.

Slices of wilderness
CONWAY, S.C. - They might not have the beauty of a waterfall or waves crashing on the beach, but few places on the Southeastern shore can match the variety found inside the shallow depressions along the coastal plains called Carolina Bays.

Across the area
Police arrested a 23-year-old Hephzibah man Monday in connection with an attempted robbery at Needmore Kuntry Store on Windsor Spring Road last month.

Officials brace for first election
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - The last-minute approval of Georgia's voter identification law meant last-ditch efforts to prepare for the new requirements in Gwinnett County, the site of the state's first election since the contentious measure was approved.

Police link four to death of carrier
AIKEN - Two men have been arrested, and investigators are looking for two others they say ambushed and killed a newspaper carrier they mistook for a rival drug dealer.

United Way says to 'get on board'
More than 600 supporters boarded the SS United Way on Monday as the organization kicked off its annual fundraising campaign with a luncheon at Bell Auditorium.

Officials say child's need means more than scores
GREENVILLE, S.C. - Experts say parents should take a closer look before transferring their children out of schools that are failing to make adequate yearly progress according to objectives set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Five questions with Michael Harley
Michael Harley, the vice president of the Augusta Bulldog Club, says he's "about as excited as I could ever be" about the start of college football season this coming weekend. The Evans resident is a 1992 Georgia graduate who has bled red and black all his life.

Evans area booming with new businesses
A new Target store in Columbia County might be getting all the attention these days, but another area near the Evans Town Center continues to boom with new business.

Five questions with Michael Harley
Michael Harley, the vice president of the Augusta Bulldog Club, says he's "about as excited as I could ever be" about the start of college football season this coming weekend. The Evans resident is a 1992 Georgia graduate who has bled red and black all his life.

Church selects Marietta pastor
First Baptist Church of Augusta has a new senior pastor, Dr. C. Gregory DeLoach III, 39, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga.

Probe doesn't suggest arson
One day after an early-morning fire gutted several units at a west Augusta apartment complex, a Richmond County fire official said a preliminary investigation suggests no foul play.

Many struggle with energy bills
AIKEN - A heart attack in July robbed Calvin Setters' of his ability to work. After a month of unemployment, his family was buried under growing medical costs and unpaid bills.

Across the southeast
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Blacks who bought homes across America last year were four times more likely than whites to get high interest rates for mortgage loans, The Charlotte Observer reported Sunday.

Slices of wilderness
CONWAY, S.C. - They might not have the beauty of a waterfall or waves crashing on the beach, but few places on the Southeastern shore can match the variety found inside the shallow depressions along the coastal plains called Carolina Bays.

Altering reality with gardening
Not long ago, I was shopping in one of those large stores that sell everything you need. Among my purchases were a couple of cans of spray paint my wife picked up to paint some outdoor furniture.

Altering reality with gardening
Not long ago, I was shopping in one of those large stores that sell everything you need. Among my purchases were a couple of cans of spray paint my wife picked up to paint some outdoor furniture.

Impact of 'Blues Brothers' still felt
CHICAGO - No matter how far director John Landis travels, he cannot help but run into a couple of soul-singing, sunglass-wearing characters from his past - Jake and Elwood Blues.

Impact of 'Blues Brothers' still felt
CHICAGO - No matter how far director John Landis travels, he cannot help but run into a couple of soul-singing, sunglass-wearing characters from his past - Jake and Elwood Blues.

Review of Kanye West's 'Late Registration'
So this is where Kanye West wants to take hip-hop - beyond the sped-up soul samples that made him famous, beyond his first album's gospel and R&B influences... into the orchestra pit.

Review of Kanye West's 'Late Registration'
So this is where Kanye West wants to take hip-hop - beyond the sped-up soul samples that made him famous, beyond his first album's gospel and R&B influences... into the orchestra pit.

Green Day hijacks MTV Video Music Awards
MIAMI - Rock was resplendent at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, as the veteran punk group Green Day took home seven moonmen and newcomers The Killers and Fall Out Boy won one each.

Q&A with a Pornographer Carl Newman
NEW YORK - For those who thought supergroups became an extinct species of rock band when Cream and Yes packed it in, a collection of Canadian indie musicians is rejuvenating the lost form.

Green Day hijacks MTV Video Music Awards
MIAMI - Rock was resplendent at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, as the veteran punk group Green Day took home seven moonmen and newcomers The Killers and Fall Out Boy won one each.

Q&A with a Pornographer Carl Newman
NEW YORK - For those who thought supergroups became an extinct species of rock band when Cream and Yes packed it in, a collection of Canadian indie musicians is rejuvenating the lost form.

Servia gets first win with some official help
MONTREAL - Oriol Servia was handed his first Champ Car victory Sunday when series officials ordered rookie Timo Glock to let him pass on the final lap of the Montreal Molson Indy race.

Servia gets first win with some official help
MONTREAL - Oriol Servia was handed his first Champ Car victory Sunday when series officials ordered rookie Timo Glock to let him pass on the final lap of the Montreal Molson Indy race.

Bourdais has another Montreal misfire
MONTREAL - Sebastien Bourdais has to be wondering what it's going to take for him to win a race in Montreal. But at least he was running at the finish on Sunday.

Bourdais has another Montreal misfire
MONTREAL - Sebastien Bourdais has to be wondering what it's going to take for him to win a race in Montreal. But at least he was running at the finish on Sunday.

WBC president urges Roy Jones to get checkup
MEXICO CITY - The president of the World Boxing Council said Monday that boxer Roy Jones Jr. should undergo intensive neurological testing before his Oct. 1 fight with Antonio Tarver.

Overtime
Area coaches are encouraged to send in their team's statistics by noon Wednesday - no exceptions - to be included in From The Huddle, which publishes every Friday in The Augusta Chronicle.

WBC president urges Roy Jones to get checkup
MEXICO CITY - The president of the World Boxing Council said Monday that boxer Roy Jones Jr. should undergo intensive neurological testing before his Oct. 1 fight with Antonio Tarver.

Overtime
Area coaches are encouraged to send in their team's statistics by noon Wednesday - no exceptions - to be included in From The Huddle, which publishes every Friday in The Augusta Chronicle.

Overtime
Area coaches are encouraged to send in their team's statistic by noon Wednesday - no exceptions - to be included in From The Huddle, which publishes every Friday in The Augusta Chronicle.

Overtime
Area coaches are encouraged to send in their team's statistic by noon Wednesday - no exceptions - to be included in From The Huddle, which publishes every Friday in The Augusta Chronicle.

Saints practice to focus on New Orleans
SAN JOSE, Calif. - With two holes ripped in the roof of their stadium and their city devastated by Hurricane Katrina, focusing on football was not an easy task Monday for the New Orleans Saints.

Saints practice to focus on New Orleans
SAN JOSE, Calif. - With two holes ripped in the roof of their stadium and their city devastated by Hurricane Katrina, focusing on football was not an easy task Monday for the New Orleans Saints.

Panthers cut Rutherford, Stubblefield
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Rod Rutherford, who was battling for Carolina's third-string quarterback position, was one of 11 players released by the Panthers on Sunday.

Panthers cut Rutherford, Stubblefield
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Rod Rutherford, who was battling for Carolina's third-string quarterback position, was one of 11 players released by the Panthers on Sunday.

Pope calls Cologne gathering an 'extraordinary' experience
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy - Pope Benedict XVI said Sunday his first foreign trip, a pilgrimage to Germany this month, was an extraordinary experience and that the hundreds of thousands of young people who joined him there from around the world were filled with great hope.

Pope calls Cologne gathering an 'extraordinary' experience
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy - Pope Benedict XVI said Sunday his first foreign trip, a pilgrimage to Germany this month, was an extraordinary experience and that the hundreds of thousands of young people who joined him there from around the world were filled with great hope.

Actor looks ahead to the end of 'Will & Grace'
NEW YORK - Eric McCormack is thinking back to March 1998, when he filmed the pilot for a comedy about unusual best friends: a handsome gay man and a beautiful straight woman cohabiting in Manhattan.

Woman may give birth on Dutch 'Big Brother' show
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - The latest Dutch version of the reality show "Big Brother" features a woman who's seven months' pregnant and may give birth live on TV. The government is studying whether using the newborn would violate laws against hiring children.

Actor looks ahead to the end of 'Will & Grace'
NEW YORK - Eric McCormack is thinking back to March 1998, when he filmed the pilot for a comedy about unusual best friends: a handsome gay man and a beautiful straight woman cohabiting in Manhattan.

Woman may give birth on Dutch 'Big Brother' show
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - The latest Dutch version of the reality show "Big Brother" features a woman who's seven months' pregnant and may give birth live on TV. The government is studying whether using the newborn would violate laws against hiring children.

Georgia offensive line among nation's best
ATHENS, Ga. - They used to be the weak link of the Georgia offense, a bunch of oversized, under-experienced players who carved out puny holes and let their quarterback take a beating.

Georgia offensive line among nation's best
ATHENS, Ga. - They used to be the weak link of the Georgia offense, a bunch of oversized, under-experienced players who carved out puny holes and let their quarterback take a beating.

Xtreme calendar
REGISTER TODAY: Got a mind for business? Foundations, designed to give students 12 and older a look at careers and business principles, starts Sept. 12. Call 724-3576 or visit www. lucycraftlaneymuseum.com to sign up for the free program.

Xtreme calendar
REGISTER TODAY: Got a mind for business? Foundations, designed to give students 12 and older a look at careers and business principles, starts Sept. 12. Call 724-3576 or visit www. lucycraftlaneymuseum.com to sign up for the free program.

What's hot
Has your band been out there gigging and trying to get execs from Sony BMG and Warner Bros. to come to your shows? Well, maybe you should stop, says author and music-industry consultant Daylle Deanna Schwartz in the book I Don't Need a Record Deal: Your Survival Guide to the Indie Music Revolution.

What's hot
Has your band been out there gigging and trying to get execs from Sony BMG and Warner Bros. to come to your shows? Well, maybe you should stop, says author and music-industry consultant Daylle Deanna Schwartz in the book I Don't Need a Record Deal: Your Survival Guide to the Indie Music Revolution.